BMW Z4

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Model Overview

One of the oldest luxury roadsters on the market, the BMW Z4 hardtop convertible debuted after the Z3, and will soon make way for a Z5 model.

History

The BMW Z4 first appeared in the 2003 model year as the replacement for the Z3 with two inline-six engine choices, a 2.5-liter and a 3.0-liter. Both could be paired to either a manual or automatic transmission. BMW’s single-clutch automated manual transmission was offered for the first few years on both engine options but it was eventually limited to the more powerful 3.0-liter I-6 from the 2005 model year and onward. A shooting brake called the Z4 coupe was added for the 2006 model year and was available only with the 3.0-liter I-6.

From the 2006 to the 2008, BMW added the Z4 M roadster with the same high-revving 3.2-liter I-6 as the E46 M3. In this application, the I-6 is rated at 330 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which was a smidge less powerful than the version found in the M3. A six-speed manual was the only transmission available.

The Latest Generation

The current generation Z4 arrived for the 2009 model year and instead of offering two body styles, BMW only offers one, a convertible with a folding hardtop. A 255-hp, naturally aspirated 3.0-liter I-6 powers the base Z4 sDrive30i and a 300-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6. A six-speed manual is standard on both variants and a six-speed automatic is optional on the Z4 sDrive30i. A seven-speed twin-clutch automatic is optional on the Z4 sDrive35i.

From the 2013 model year and onward, the Z4 sDrive30i was replaced by the Z4 sDrive28i as the new base model. This variant was now powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the old six-speed unit paired with the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter I-6. The Z4 sDrive35is was also added for the 2013 model year with a more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 now rated at 335 hp and 332 lb-ft paired exclusively to a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic. Starting from the 2015 model year, BMW discontinued the manual transmission on the Z4 sDrive35i.

BMW will be replacing the Z4 with a new roadster, possibly called the Z5. Unlike the Z4, the Z5 will ditch the power retractable hardtop in favor of a soft top. The Z4’s replacement will also be closely related to the upcoming Toyota Supra, which is the other sports car being developed by BMW’s collaboration with Toyota.

Why You’d Consider One

The BMW Z4 is two cars in one, a convertible when you want it and a coupe when you need protection against the elements thanks to its folding hardtop. Regardless of which engine you choose, you’ll have plenty of power to work with and, in the case of the base 2.0-liter turbo-four, respectable fuel economy.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

Even though the retractable hardtop roof is cool, it eats into the Z4’s already small trunk and adds a lot of weight, making it unusually heavy for its size. Additionally, in a 2010 comparison test, the Z4 ended up in third place because of its disconnected chassis and unrefined ride.